Hiking in Nafplio, one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, is a great way to enjoy a Nafplio coastal hike—a beautiful and easy 3 km (1.86 mi) route that takes you from Karathona beach along the cliffs to Arvanitia.
I’m Greek, and I did this hike in May with a group of friends, including Joseph. It was such a fun and scenic walk.
You’ll pass cliffs, little coves, and endless sea views. It’s perfect if you want a different side of Nafplio without having to go far.
Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy this hike in Nafplio!
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My Latest video on hiking in Nafplio
I visited Bourtzi Castle, checked out the Archaeological Museum on Syntagma Square, strolled through charming bougainvillea-lined alleys, and discovered an Ottoman hamam hidden in a hotel garden.
I wrapped things up by exploring Palamidi Castle and hiking in Nafplio, following the stunning coastal path from Karathona Beach to Arvanitia Beach.
How do I go from Athens to Nafplio?
Nafplio is in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece, 139 km (86.4 mi) or about 2 hours southwest of Athens by car.
It’s easy to reach from Athens via the wide National Road, whether you’re driving a rental car or taking the bus. Ferries also depart from Piraeus about four times a day, with the trip taking around 2 hours and 11 minutes.
You can easily book your tickets through FerryHopper or FerryScanner—both are super easy to use!
There’s no train service to Nafplio.
Why Choose the Nafplio Coastal Hike
This is a great, family-friendly, all-level hikers’ trail with a mostly flat, well-marked path that starts from Karathona beach and ends near the old town at Arvanitia, under the hill of Acronafplia castle.
If you want an easy yet rewarding way to experience Nafplio’s coastal beauty, this trail is the best choice.
Hiking in Nafplio | Karathona to Arvanitia Hiking Route Overview
Before the hike, we did some classic sightseeing—starting with a quick boat ride to Bourtzi Castle, which sits just off the coast.
Then we stopped by the Archaeological Museum in Syntagma Square, and walked around the old town, checking out the bougainvillea-covered alleys and small shops.
We also visited Palamidi Castle, which is up on a hill and offers amazing views (and a good leg workout if you’re walking up!).
After exploring the town, we hopped on the coach bus that took us to Karathona Beach, which is about 3km(1.7 miles) from Palamidi Castle and around 5 km (3 miles) from the center of Nafplio.
Karathona is a 3 km(1.86 mi) organized beach with soft sand, plenty of space, and a few places to grab a snack or rent a sunbed.
Palm trees, tamarisks, and eucalyptus line the beach, and the small islet of Pontikonisi gives it a unique charm.
Even in May, a few people were swimming and sunbathing, but it didn’t feel crowded at all.
I did the hike with my friend Joseph. We started from the sandy stretch at Karathona toward the far end of the bay, where there’s a small marina.
It was a little windy, but still warm—perfect walking weather. The trail runs right along the water, and it’s wide—probably around 10 feet across—so it’s easy to walk side by side and enjoy the view.
You’ve got the sea on one side and rocky hills on the other, with the occasional shady tree or patch of wildflowers along the way.
We weren’t the only ones on the trail—a few tourists were walking in the opposite direction, from Nafplio to Karathona, and even a couple of joggers.
As we made our way around the curve of the bay, we came across a few small coves and quiet beaches. I stopped to take some photos, so we ended up behind the group—but we caught up with them later in the center of Nafplio.
Some people had already found their favorite spots and were out swimming or just hanging out on the seafront.
I really wanted to stop hiking and dive into the water, but I knew I could do so at the end of the trail in Arvanitia.
You’ll find plenty of benches along the way to rest. And if you’re up for it, you can even squeeze in a few sit-ups—there’s some outdoor gym equipment nearby.
We even saw some climbers on a rocky section of the cliffs—turns out this part of the coastline is also used for rock climbing.
One spot that really stood out was a tiny chapel right on the trail. It was likely placed there as a memorial for someone who passed away in the area.
Around the halfway point, there’s also a stretch of trees that offer some nice shade, which was great because the sun was getting stronger as we went.
The whole hike took us about 40 to 45 minutes, walking at a relaxed pace with a few stops to take photos and look around. There were just a couple of spots that were a bit uphill, but nothing too dramatic, just for 100 meters or less.
Eventually, we reached Arvanitia Beach, a smaller beach right at the edge of Nafplio, just below the cliffs. It’s a nice place to cool off or grab a drink if you’re ready for a break. There’s usually a small café open, and it’s a popular spot for locals.
If you’re in Nafplio and want something different from museums and castles, this walk from Karathona to Arvanitia Beach is a perfect way to spend some time.
Tip: If you are staying in Loutraki or Corinth, don’t miss the stunning coastal trail from Sterna to Melagkavi lighthouse in Perahora.
Things to know before hiking Nafplio – FAQs
Where is the best place to stay in Nafplio?
Here are some of my favorite hotels right in the heart of the Old Town. Eudokia Pension offers a cozy and welcoming vibe, Byron Traditional Hotel has a charming neoclassical style, and Ilion Hotel stands out with its elegant rooms and warm hospitality.
How to get to the start of the trail?
From Nafplio’s center, you can easily drive there, take the local bus or take a taxi (cost around €10).
Are there hiking signs along the way?
Not really—it’s just a simple, straight coastal path with no turns. It is impossible to get lost.
What else can I see in Nafplio?
There are so many things to do on your way to Nafplio such as the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth (great hike by the way.)
Near Nafplio, you can visit Tolo, Asini, Nemea, Mycenae, and Epidaurus.
When is the best time to hike this trail?
Avoid hiking in general when the temperature is over 32 °C (89.6°F) as the trail has little shade and mostly at the part near Arvanitia beach. I also suggest avoiding midday sun in June and August.
What gear should I bring?
I didn’t use hiking sticks, and I wore my old hiking shoes. I always wear shoes with a really good grip, even when the trail is super easy.
I would also put in my backpack a hat, plenty of water, and, why not, a towel for a swim break!
Hiking in Greece Quiz
Think you know the best trails, peaks, and hiking spots across Greece? From mountain lakes to coastal paths, this quiz will challenge your knowledge and maybe even inspire your next adventure. Grab a pen (or just keep score in your head) and see how many you get right!
- Which Greek island is famous for the Samaria Gorge hike?
- A) Rhodes
- B) Crete
- C) Corfu
- What is the tallest mountain in Greece, often associated with Greek gods?
- A) Mount Olympus
- B) Mount Taygetus
- C) Mount Athos
- Which region is home to the Vikos Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons?
- A) Peloponnese
- B) Epirus
- C) Thessaly
- On which island can you hike from Fira to Oia along a caldera rim trail?
- A) Santorini
- B) Mykonos
- C) Naxos
- Which trail connects the monasteries of Meteora via stone paths?
- A) Meteora Monastery Trail
- B) Delphi Path
- C) Olympus Ridge Walk
- In which mountain range would you find the Dragon Lakes (Drakolimni) in northern Greece?
- A) Rhodope Mountains
- B) Pindus Mountains
- C) Taygetus Mountains
- Which well-marked multi-day trail is located in the Peloponnese?
- A) E4 Trail
- B) Menalon Trail
- C) Pindus Way
Answers:
- B) Crete
- A) Mount Olympus
- B) Epirus
- A) Santorini
- A) Meteora Monastery Trail
- B) Pindus Mountains
- B) Menalon Trail
Scoring Guide:
- 6-7 correct: Hiking Master — you know Greece like the back of your boot!
- 4-5 correct: Trail Explorer — solid knowledge, keep trekking!
- 2-3 correct: Weekend Wanderer — you’re on the right path.
- 0-1 correct: New Hiker — time to lace up and learn more!
Popular Trails in Greece
Whether you’re into the wild mountains of the north—like the Pindus range, Mt. Olympus, Vikos Gorge, or Meteora—or you’re exploring the Peloponnese with spots like the Menalon Trail, Taygetus, or Vouraikos Gorge, there’s no shortage of amazing scenery.
And don’t forget the islands! Their coastal trails come with killer views of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. It’s a dream for anyone who loves to hike.
Final Thoughts on Hiking Nafplio
This hike is super easy to follow, and you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. No steep climbs, no rough ground—just a chill walk with great views and a few hidden gems along the way.
You’ll get to see a quieter, more natural side of Nafplio—and it’s way more fun than sitting in a café all day (though that’s a good follow-up).
Have you been to Nafplio, or is it on your list? Drop me a comment—I’d love to hear about your experience!
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